Apple Tree
Cultivars

Information about
Apple Tree Varieties (cultivars ) including pollination groups, type of
fruit and cropping season

All
apple fruit trees are pollinated by insects, however most apple
trees need to be planted near to another apple tree of a different
cultivar (variety) to ensure a good crop,
so choosing the right apple trees is of utmost importance to avoid disappointment.
The information below will make it easy for you to choose
suitable apple tree(s).

Although there are a few cultivars available which are self fertile,
i.e. they pollinate themselves with no need for another tree, unless you
are absolutely sure of what you are buying, it’s best to err on the side
of caution and buy two different cultivars of apple trees to ensure you
get a reasonable crop of apples. If you have lots of apple trees nearby
in neighbouring gardens or allotments, you may get away with buying
just one tree so long as the distance isn’t too great.

Before you buy your trees, consideration must be given to the
flowering time of the trees being purchased to guarantee the flowers
from all trees blossom at around the same time so that insects can
cross-pollinate.

Below is a chart showing some popular cultivars available which have
been grouped in accordance to their flowering time. It is therefore
important to choose trees which are either in the same group or from
adjacent groups. For example, apart from Triploids (see explanation
below) – any tree from group C can be pollinated by any tree from
group B or Group D

Triploids do not pollinate other apple trees. If you
choose a triploid cultivar because you like the fruit it produces, you
will need at least two other apple trees from adjacent groups to ensure
you get fruit on all three trees.

T = Triploid

Self-Sterile = need another cultivar to produce a
reasonable crop

Self-Fertile = will produce a reasonable crop if
planted singly

Part Self-Fertile = produce a better crop if
planted close to another cultivar